CCD's solid experience could keep things on schedule

Cincinnati Country Day senior center Will Koustmer is one of three captains for the Indians, sharing the duties with classmates Cam Aldred (quarterback) and Mantero Moreno Cheek (lineman).(Photo: Mark D. Motz/The Community Press)

Cincinnati Country Day head football coach Tim Dunn figured he'd have a pretty good football team this season. Then the 2013 squad went and ran the table with a perfect 10-0 regular season, winning the Miami Valley Conference and reaching the Division VI playoffs.

"To be honest, last year was a little ahead of schedule and nice surprise in a way," Dunn said. "The seniors last year really stepped up and they had a very good junior class behind them. We don't talk much about last year, but it was a great season.

"This was supposed to be the year because we feel like we have two really strong classes together. We feel good about this team, but we could play better than we did last year and go 9-1. I think everybody in the league has improved. I think we have, too, but somebody can jump up at you."

CCD returns a bevy of key players from its 2013 team, including senior quarterback Cam Aldred. He'll have his co-captains - center Will Koustmer and lineman Mantero Moreno Cheek, both of whom were first team all-MVC performers as juniors - up front to protect him. Senior Mitchell Mack and junior Rodney Bethea also return on the line.

Junior Daryn Jordan plays running back and can also play out of the slot as a pass threat to compliment senior receiver Max Guttman. Junior Sean O'Brien returns to handle the kicking chores for the Indians.

Defensively, the secondary includes returning senior Wyatt Fletcher and junior Nick Sam, while junior defensive end Schuyler Snell with guards Will Brady and Marius Lancaster should be a force up front and on the edge.

Of course at a small school, many players will play on both sides of the ball. Dunn said keeping his team healthy will be crucial as a result.

"We feel like we have a lot of experience returning, but we don't have a lot of replaceable parts," he said. "It's a pretty big drop from our starters. We have pretty much one of everything we need, but not much more than that. That's what we have to develop, some depth."

Dunn said the main team goal is to win the MVC again. Top competition comes from the usual suspects like Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and Summit Country Day, both playoff teams in 2013.